Organizer Information
Monson Arts is an artist residency and arts center located in Monson, Maine. Established in 2018 as an initiative of Maine’s Libra Foundation, it serves as a catalyst for creative and economic growth in the Piscataquis County region. The center is located at the gateway to the "100-Mile Wilderness" on the Appalachian Trail, a region historically home to iconic figures like photographer Berenice Abbott. Monson Arts fulfills its mission through residencies, intensive workshops, and community-based educational partnerships.
Title & Description
2026 Monson Arts Residency Program
The Monson Arts Residency provides time and space for artists and writers to devote themselves entirely to their creative practices. During each two or four-week session, a group of ten residents is invited to live and work in the small-town environment of Monson. The program is designed to be low-structure, allowing residents to determine their own pace, while providing high-quality facilities and communal support to help them realize their creative visions.
Categories
Visual Arts, Writing, Photography, Video/Film, Sculpture, Mixed Media, New Media, Drawing, Painting, and Poetry.
Eligibility
- International: Open to both U.S. and non-U.S. citizens (proficiency in English is required for community interaction).
- Career Stage: Open to artists and writers at any stage of their career (emerging to established).
- Restrictions: Applicants must not be currently enrolled in a BFA or MFA program at the time of the residency.
- Collaboration: Collaborative teams may apply under a single application.
Program Benefits & Awards
- Stipend: $500 for a 4-week stay; $250 for a 2-week stay.
- Housing: A private bedroom in a newly renovated historic home with shared kitchen and living areas.
- Meals: All meals are provided (prepared locally).
- Studio Space: A dedicated, private studio tailored to the resident’s discipline.
- Access: Use of wood and metal fabrication shops; Abbott Watts photo residents gain darkroom access.
Application Fee
$25.00
Application Requirements
- Sample Artworks: Up to 5 images for visual artists or 5 pages for writers.
- Motivation Letter: A letter of intent describing how you will use the time and space.
- CV: A professional resume or CV (max 6,000 characters).
- References: Two professional reference contacts (names and contact info).
How to Apply?
Online application
Key Dates
- Spring 2026 Deadline: 15 January 2026
- Fall 2026 Deadline: 15 May 2026
- Winter 2027 Deadline: 15 September 2026
- Spring Sessions: Start March 30, April 27, and May 26, 2026.
Location
Monson, Maine, United States.
Additional Details
The residency town is remote; while basic amenities are available on Main Street, cellular service is limited (Wi-Fi calling is recommended). One resident house is fully ADA compliant, and several studios are ground-floor accessible. Residents are responsible for their own travel to Maine and their creative materials.